Top 10 Films Every Latino Should Have Seen

Latin films have been filling theaters with box office hits for decades. Throughout the years, they’ve elevated storytelling and cinematography in general giving Latinos classic films to grow up with. Here is a list of classic Latino films every Latino should have seen before.

The Secret in Their Eyes or El Secreto de sus ojos (2009)

This drama, directed by Juan José Campanella, is based out of Argentina. It embodies the story of a retired legal counselor seeking closure from one of his previous cases regarding an unresolved homicide. If you’re into mysteries and haven’t seen this classic, it’s a must see!

No (2012)

Pablo Larrain was the director behind this classic Chilean film. The drama depicts the story of René Saavedra, an ad executive creating a campaign against Augusto Pinochet in 1988.

Selena (1997)

A biography and a true classic, this film tells the story of the angelic Mexican-American singer, Selena Quintanilla-Perez. Starring Jennifer Lopez and directed by Gregory Nava, this movie was nothing short of a box office hit.

Spy Kids (2001)

As a child, you had to have seen this classic film surrounding a Latino family with secret agents as parents. Carmen and Juni seek to protect their parents, played by Antonio Banderas and Carla Gugino, from danger. A Latino spy family movie? I think yes!

Spanglish (2004)

This heart-tugging film entails the story of a Mexican woman emigrating to America for a better life where they begin to work for a privileged family. Starring Paz Vega and Adam Sandler, this movie couldn’t better capture the hardships of chasing the American Dream.

American Me (1992)

A biography surrounding some of the notorious Mexican-American gangsters including, Rodolfo Cadena or as in the movie, Montoya Santana. The film follows his life through prison and his reflections of his gangster lifestyle afterwards. Edward James Olmos stars as Santana and also directed the classic film.

Frida (2002)

If you know anything about art, you know Frida Kahlo is for paintings that broke barriers not only for the Latin culture but around the world. This is a biography about the Mexican artist’s political, artistic and revolutionary journey starring Salma Hayek. It’s no surprise that this biography makes the list as a must see.

My Family (1995)

An interesting story of an immigrant family who goes from Mexico to Los Angeles. The movie surrounds the family’s trials, tribulations, tragedies and triumphs. With hit names in the cast such as Jennifer Lopez, Edward James Olmos and Jacob Vargas, this movie was nothing short of a classic.

Mi Vida Loca (1994)

This film is a drama that brings plot twists you weren’t expecting. It surrounds two Hispanic friends that ultimately become enemies after a series of events. Both girls turn to violence as the violence in their Los Angeles lifestyles also take their courses.

Central Station (1998)

This sentimental film surrounds the story of an older Brazilian woman who works at Rio de Janeiro central station, writing letters for customers and sending them. The woman, Dora, takes helps a 9-year-old boy on a journey to find his father after the passing of his mother. The film was nominated for two Oscars making it a must see on our list.

These are the type of films you grab your family, popcorn and kick back for a movie night! Have you seen all of these films? Which one is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!